Canadian media applauded Ryu Hyun-jin (36, Toronto Blue Jays) for his five innings of two-run ball in the Pitcher’s Cemetery.스포츠토토
Ryu started the 2023 Major League Baseball (MLB) Baseball World Series game against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field in Denver, Colorado, U.S., on Sunday (Feb. 2) and pitched five innings, allowing two runs on four hits (one home run) with three strikeouts and two walks.
With a 4-2 lead in the bottom of the sixth inning, Ryu had what it took to win the game, but the bullpen collapsed and he was denied his fourth win of the season.
However, he was able to smile as his team came back to win 13-9.
Coors Field is the quintessential hitter-friendly ballpark, with its high elevation (1610 meters above sea level), low air resistance, and long balls. For pitchers, it’s the worst.
Ryu Hyun-jin has struggled at Coors Field in the past, but in his first appearance there in four years and one month since August 1, 2019, he made the most of it with a full complement of pitches.
In true Coors Field fashion, the two teams traded 29 hits. Toronto pounded out 17 hits, including three home runs, while Colorado pounded out 12 hits with two home runs.
“Ryu’s five innings of two-run ball at Coors Field was the equivalent of a seven-inning no-hitter (elsewhere),” said Canadian outlet Sportsnet. “He could have pitched into the sixth inning, but Toronto manager John Schneider opted for a well-rested bullpen.”
The Toronto Sun was quick to criticize umpire Angel Hernandez for not calling strikes on several occasions.
Facing Nolan Jones with the bases loaded and one out in the bottom of the fourth inning, Hyun-Jin Ryu put a high four-seam fastball in the strike zone on a full count, but umpire Hernandez called it a ball and allowed a run to score.
“Ryu gave up four hits in five innings, including a two-run homer to Eleuris Montero in the bottom of the third,” the Toronto Sun wrote, “but his performance gave Toronto what it needed before turning to its bullpen.”
On its official social media accounts, the team posted photos and videos of Ryu pitching and said, “Since his return, Ryu has posted a 2.48 ERA.” In Korean, the team wrote, “He is a living legend.
They also honored him as a “living legend” in Korean.